Maruti Suzuki to rule market with 25 models

Maruti Suzuki in order to enhance its market share is now eying on doubling the number of models the automaker produces. The company looks to tap the sales of compact SUV and LCV segment. In a bid to retail 30 lakh cars a year, Maruti is planning to increase its model lineup to 25 from the current 14 and to achieve this, the carmaker is days away from the launch of its C segment saloon Ciaz. Read More on Upcoming Maruti Cars In India.

Moreover, if media reports are to be believed, the company is also planning to launch an SUV to compete with Mahindra and Tata while seeing the recent success of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster, the company will also introduce a compact SUV. Though its very early to say but as per the air around Maruti will bring the SUV in few months while a compact SUV under 4 meter would be launched by 2016. The company is also making its way to the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) and for which the company has created an entire new network.

Maruti Suzuki India chairman RC Bhargava said, "To sell 3 million cars (annually), we need to have at least 25 models. With 12 to 15 models we would not be able to sell 3 million cars." Currently, the market leader retails more than a dozen model right from the most sold Alto series to the Ertiga MUV.  He further added that only the market would determine by when the company could touch the 3-million mark.

Mr. Bhargava also said, “We will be present in SUV segment in few months from now, a model which will be competing with Duster in that size. It has to be something which can compete with the Duster, and in 2016 we will have a compact SUV under 4 meter, so that it gets benefit of lower excise duty and which will be in the same segment as Ford EcoSport. Both the SUVs will be available in petrol, diesel and CNG options.” On the Maruti’s market share, Mr Bhargava said: "Last year we had a market share of 38.9 per cent, and this year till date we have 44.4 per cent, which is out of only 79 per cent of the total market as we are not present in the SUV segment now."